Newsletter 11-7-2023

CHRIST THE KING

from jamie

Christ the King Sunday is coming up in a few weeks. This is a mix between a finale of the church calendar and a New Year’s Eve moment; an end and a beginning. In this culminating moment, we lay grasp to the hope that all of this shakes out in the end; a shaking out that has something to do with Christ’s reign as some combination of ultimate cosmic king/meek lamb that is slaughtered yet standing. The bible seems to prefer poetry to talk about things like this, leaving questions opened and unanswered and inviting us into the world of imagination. In that spirit, I’m curious what comes to mind for you when you see the phrase “Christ the King.” Does that mean something specific to you? What does the world look like when Christ is King? Are there glimmers of that around us? Or perhaps you find great discomfort with the phrase “Christ the King”—what’s that discomfort like? You get the idea—I’m curious about how that phrase finds you. I’ve created a google form that you can use to answer, and I’ll have an analog method of answering available at church on Sunday. I would appreciate it if you would take a moment to jot some thoughts down—could be a word, a poem, a paragraph, etc. Here’s the form.

THIS WEEK

Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm

5th & 6th Grade Gathering - Wednesday, 6pm 

Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Pub

Liturgy of Gratitude - Thursday, November 9, 5:30pm

Join us for a time to reflect on all of that for which we are thankful.

Women’s Group Hangout: Friday, November 10, 7pm, Renee Meyer’s house

We will soak in the hot tub and have an outdoor fire. Please bring drinks, snacks and a swimsuit. Email Tiffany at covertjt@yahoo.com for directions.

GIVING

UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your tithes and offerings allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.

You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.

If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email jeff@ubcwaco.org.

CHURCH NEEDS

Early Holiday Shopping for Arrow

The holidays are coming up, and UBC has a tradition of teaming up with our partners to provide Christmas gifts for kids who might not receive any without some support. This year we are partnering with Arrow Child and Family Ministries, and we have committed to buy gift for 14 girls who are connected to their program. This year they are doing a Christmas store for parents to shop, and also collecting gift cards for parents. If you would like to shop for gifts for one of the girls, you can sign-up in the foyer on Sunday, or email Toph. The girls ages range from 1-11yr, and they are asking for 2 or so gifts per kid, and there is no need to spend more than $30 on each gift. The gifts need to be at UBC by Sunday, November 19th. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

UBC Kids Merch!
While cleaning out the kids ministry supply closet, we found a bin filled with t-shirt treasures!  On November 12th and 19th, we will be selling tees in the lobby for a suggested cash donation of $5. All proceeds will be used to stock our classrooms.  We have a variety of sizes, toddler through adult, so that you can rep UBC Kids wherever you go!

Tech Booth Volunteers

We are looking for a few more folks to volunteer in the tech booth on slides, lights, and the livestream. Previous experience isn’t required—we can train you! Contact jamie@ubcwaco.org if you’re interested.

Kids Volunteers

We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers, and are always on the look out for more! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please email kids@ubcwaco.org

Leadership Team, Finance Team, and HR Team

All of our teams will have people rotating off later this year and early next, and we are currently accepting nominations for people to serve on one of those three teams. If you know someone who would be a good fit, and would like to serve on LT, FT, or HR, please email your nomination to any team member or full-time staff member. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org

GROUPS

Micasas

Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC.  They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night.  If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.

Spiritual Direction Group

The Sunday morning UBC Spiritual Direction Small Group has space for 1 new participant.  We meet weekly during Sunday class time (9:40-10:30 AM), and ask that members be able to commit to regularly attending meetings. Our small group works together to discern the activity and presence of God in our daily, ordinary lives.  We focus on the art and power of asking and listening.  Coordinated by Laura Sepanski, who graduated in May 2022 from Truett Seminary Spiritual Direction certificate program.  Contact Laura at Laura_Sepanski@baylor.edu with questions or interest in signing up.

Faith of the Outsider - Sunday, 9:30am, Piano Room

Inspired by the work of Frank Anthony Spina, this class will look at the ‘outsider’ motif running throughout the Bible, seeing how outsiders are often welcomed into and become a part of God’s plan. Each week we will look at one Biblical story of an outsider and broaden our view of inclusion and exclusion in the Biblical narrative.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often! 

PREACHING SCHEDULE

11/12- Andie

11/19- Andie

11/26- Christ the King Sunday

12/3- Andie

WANT TO CHAT?

Share Your Feedback

Have feedback for us? Feel free to reach out to staff directly with any praises, curiosities, or concerns. You are also invited to submit feedback to the HR team and allow them to pass it along! You can do that with this form: https://forms.gle/1ovkBXSx1Lu3CR448

Pastoral Staff

Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)

Leadership Team

Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)

HR Team

Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)

Finance Team

Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)